Supports Broadcast, Cable and Satellite Interactive TV Applications WASHINGTON, D.C., September 6, 2005 - The members of the Advanced Television Systems Committee (ATSC) recently approved the Advanced Common Application Platform (ACAP) Standard. The new standard provides consumers with advanced interactive services, while providing content creators, broadcasters, cable operators and consumer electronics manufacturers with the technical details necessary for the development of interoperable services and products. "ACAP harmonizes the ATSC DTV Application Software Environment (DASE) Standard with CableLabs' OCAP Specifications. This is important for content creators and consumer electronics manufacturers because a ubiquitous standard is necessary for consumer acceptance of enhanced and interactive services," said Mark Richer, President of the ATSC. "It is also a great example of industry cooperation and another step forward in the ongoing evolution of digital television." ATSC previously published a companion Standard A/96, "Interaction Channel Protocols." Used in combination with forward broadcast download channels from terrestrial, cable, and satellite networks, these protocols provide a complete interactive system.Both the ACAP (A/101) and the Interaction Channel Protocols (A/96) documents are available on the ATSC web site at www.atsc.org/standards.html. The Advanced Television Systems Committee, Inc. is an international, non-profit organization developing voluntary standards for digital television. ATSC member organizations represent the broadcast, broadcast equipment, motion picture, consumer electronics, computer, cable, satellite and semiconductor industries.